Board discusses Bruin Point Elementary size

Bruin Point Elementary School in Sunnyside.

By COLLIN MCRANNSun Advocate reporter

Bruin Point Elementary School has outgrown its current building, despite the fact that it is only three years old. During the last Carbon School Board meeting on Sept. 9, the issue of Bruin Point's student capacity was addressed. While the building was designed to hold approximately 123 students, its current count is 147.

"The main concern is that the facility is small," said Barry Deeter.

The facilities at the school are also running short of expectations, because restrooms and the cafeteria have proven inadequate for the student population. Although expanding the facilities is an option, the board was unsure about future student populations because the current surge was unexpected. The recent increase in student numbers prompted the board to approve an $11,000 feasibility study that will examine the best option for Bruin Point.

Mont Harmon Junior High in Price is the location of another school renovation that is currently in the planning stages. While the original plan for Mont Harmon called for a new roof, the board is now considering a variety of options for improvement suggested by the engineering firm of Edwards and Daniels. Along with evaluating the school's roof, the firm has made recommendations regarding its overall demeanor as a modern facility. The school's fiberglass duct-work, failing boilers, lack of air conditioning, needed seismic evaluation, lighting, restricted access, poor asphalt and a bad pedestrian - vehicle mix were identified as problems. Mechanical systems stood out as a deficiency, because the school's current system is about 40 years old, inefficient and, in some aspects, needs repair. The company indicated that securing parts to repair such an old system can be difficult. Other items, such as old galvanized water pipes, are likely to be rusted and clogged from the inside.

The engineering firm made recommendations regarding updating the air conditioning system as well aspects of the school's grounds which the firm believes are confusing and not well-defined. The school's front door is not obviously located and parking is insufficient. Possible reconfigurations of schools were presented with the least expensive valued at about $500,000 and the most costly being over $1.5 million. However, an extensive remodel presents a time problem, because work must be completed during non-school months, or the school must be closed for about a year for remodeling; both scenarios have unique ramifications. The board accepted the report and will analyze it to find its best option for the school.

Aside from renovations, board member Jeff Richens made the board aware of his and Ruby Cordova's attendance at the delegate assembly for Utah. At the assembly, Richens and Cordova were informed that rural school districts in the state could lose money to larger Utah school districts with Carbon standing to lose around $100,000. Richens also informed the board that proposed property taxes for charter schools could affect all districts, including those with no charter schools.